Group functions spring analyst Review

I thought it was a brilliiant experience! In terms of learning about functions this is a great start to a career. Although they throw information at you, you still get the opportunity to work shadow and maybe get a more practical insight into the company and people at work. It was also a great way of really starting to think about your career.

I didn't feel valued as such. Although they give you a good experience you maybe feel a little inferior to the front office - the aspiring traders and investment bankers. It does sometimes feel like they have the priority over the people in group functions. But don't let it get to you. Because we were the only group function group Barclays took this year. Where as they take far more front office since its more competitive.

There is plenty of support availabe. They will help you achieve your aspirations in functions. Lots of guidance available too. You get the opportunity to meet lots of people and they're all willing to help - they'll answer all your questions.

As such you didn't really increase your skills - this is still early career and although they go into some technicalities theres no real practical hands on work. There's loads of information though. Possibly the one skill youll learn is networking - you'll meet many senior people and you'll improve communication skills. Theres also a group project so you'll work in a team but really it's more about information.

It's very well structured - there's a lot to fit in a week and they do it well. You'll get a chance to see all the functions, you can work shadow you can network also. Maybe they should increase the lunch break a little but overall good.

Everyone was really friendly and helpful. They want to see you succeed and theyll do what they can to help. Even the other spring weekers were really nice - very intelligent and nice to work with. Barclays chooses well.

They throw a little money at you. But its not very individual - if you want to develop your technical skills you need to go further down the chain - ie summer internships etc.

That was good. You got to meet lots of people who went through what you're going through now. Many followed the spring week summer internship and graduate programme scheme. So you know exactly what to expect when you progress further. Theyre all willing to answer your questions - and theyll tell you want to know about working there.

They emphasise their values early on in the scheme and in particular they'll you a lot about what makes Barclays unique and how they do business - pay attention! This is great ammunition for the interviews.

That was very helpful - they really make you think about your career and what you want to achieve. They give you the opportunity to fast track into summer internship which is really good. If youre not sure then you can move on - you can move into another sector. They make you question why Barclays are you a fit for us?

They payment they offer is to cover expenses but they're generous with this - it covered travel costs and a ltitle extra. If you want money this isn't for you. It's about the learning experience - not money.

Absolutely! Networking is very important at Barclays - it's important to meet as many people as possible and build a network - LinkedIn is crucial for this - most are willing to talk to you outside of work if you have questions so you can take advantage. Make sure to make the most of the networking opportunities

There weren't very many consructive social events - there was lots of networking but this was in a very formal setting and it was not the most effective way of actually getting to know all the people you were meeting. Maybe this could be improved. They give you business cards but they are not very good - they're there to support communication between the people you meet but they arent effective.

Somewhat is my answer. You mostly tend to meet graduates in this programme and they do mention social activities that they were offered. But I don't think that this is the most important thing to think about in the spring week. They offer social events in the grad scheme - but not really on a spring week.

I would definitely recommend this - Barclays did not advertise this programme very well and I picked the wrong thing. I should have applied to front office. But even though this week for me was a mistake I still think it's worth going to.